Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
So I have had osteoarthritis in my knees for at least 30 years. Starting in my 30's due to my knees being crooked. The side of my knee has been bothering me for some time and was hoping it wouldn't cause too much trouble until I got to my next Dr. visit in January.
Thursday I was hurrying from meeting my new granddaughter in the hospital to watching my grandson's basketball game. I was late for the game and had to weave in and out of people on the bleachers to sit by my daughter and knee snapped when I sat down. I knew I hurt it bad but didn't want to make a scene during the game to take care of it. So I waited until the game was over and then made an very awkward exit out of the gym. Going down the bleachers, across the gym floor, down a huge flight of stairs with the help of my son-in-law. One of the most painful things I have experienced and swearing under my breath that I was going to take the extra 80 pounds off, NO EXCUSES.
Next day I went to my Primary Care doctor and I told him I didn't know if it was my RA or my OA but I couldn't put weight on knee without having pain and I was in a great deal of pain if I moved my knee/leg side wards. He told me it was my OA because most people don't have RA in their bigger joints. I have never heard that before. My Rheumatologist always checks my knees and hips when I go for a check up.
I know I have read on our post and other articles that RA can effect all joints. Right?
Thursday I was hurrying from meeting my new granddaughter in the hospital to watching my grandson's basketball game. I was late for the game and had to weave in and out of people on the bleachers to sit by my daughter and knee snapped when I sat down. I knew I hurt it bad but didn't want to make a scene during the game to take care of it. So I waited until the game was over and then made an very awkward exit out of the gym. Going down the bleachers, across the gym floor, down a huge flight of stairs with the help of my son-in-law. One of the most painful things I have experienced and swearing under my breath that I was going to take the extra 80 pounds off, NO EXCUSES.
Next day I went to my Primary Care doctor and I told him I didn't know if it was my RA or my OA but I couldn't put weight on knee without having pain and I was in a great deal of pain if I moved my knee/leg side wards. He told me it was my OA because most people don't have RA in their bigger joints. I have never heard that before. My Rheumatologist always checks my knees and hips when I go for a check up.
I know I have read on our post and other articles that RA can effect all joints. Right?
Hope you feel better soon!
I would stick with your RA doc for obtaining facts about RA. I actually had an intern (general practice) ask me the other day if the metal pins in my finger got cold when the weather was cold. oh my goodness!
It can definitely affect big joints. I have it in my hips & shoulders and it's moving into my knees. Your rheumy should be able to tell by xrays or better yet MRI.
You have a good rheumy if they examine you that thoroughly. It's taken me 4 rheumies to find one that examines me that well. My last one had me turn my hands over & lift up my arms. She never laid a hand on me.
Take care,
Emerald
I agree, that was painful to even read! You poor thing, hope your Doc can fix it quick.
Lynne
After being on MTX I'm about 98% symptom free but my right knee although not in pain feels like it wants to "pop" like your knuckle but it won't, feels like there's a cushion of air or water so I can't put all my weight on it but if I force myself to kneel in that position for a while it get's loosened up & it's fine.